Tracks – The Train Set Game Review

I have a son who’s two years old. He is obsessed with his wooden train set and we’ve recently been adding more tracks to his set. When this game suddenly turned up, I thought it could be something he would enjoy watching me play and maybe something to get him to start gaming at an early age! But was it fun and did he love it?

Tracks – The Train Set Game is a beautiful toy train set building simulation game developed by Whoop Games and published by Excalibur Games. This wooden train set game is split into two modes, Sandbox & Pick-up Passengers.

The tutorial is the first place you start. It teaches you how to play, however, even with this it took me a while to get used to the controls and I often had to pause and check the control layout screen to remind myself the buttons.

In sandbox mode you choose from only a few different areas which allows you to create your train track around different environments, like a bedroom or living room. It would be nice to have more areas to choose from, however, you can start with a blank canvas and let your imagination run wild.

In passenger mode a set of wooden passengers will be hidden around the room and you have to build your track to pick them up from their location and drop them back to the train station. This can make for some wild train tracks when those passengers are in interesting places or want an adventurous journey. At times this mode can feel more like a mini train roller coaster builder. You also have timed missions during this game mode but there seems to be no penalty if you fail to complete it within the time. It a shame you can only do it on 2 maps and wasn’t present on all of them.

Tracks – The Train Set Game is a relaxing experience. You have the freedom to place decorations where you wish, from creating a mini town or a wild forest. It’s clear they didn’t want you to feel any pressure when you are playing, even in the passenger mode as the tasks are easy to complete. Instead they wanted something that is simple to pick up and play, and that’s what this game is. Though, it’s a shame you can’t have more than one train running at the same time. Update: It is in fact possible to have multiple trains running at a time by selecting extra ones in the toy box menu.

The graphics are pleasant and colourful and the colour palette used gives the game a retro feel. You have the ability to customize your train and the environment, for example, by making it snow and covering the train in pretty colours.

The music really compliments the atmosphere, with soft piano music gently playing in the background whilst you are building. It gives a nice calming feel and doesn’t distract you. It can get a bit repetitive but it is also not that noticeable.

At first it seems that you can only view your train going around the track in 1st person, however, I found that you can go back to build mode after setting the train in motion at your desired speed. Moving around the track and watching your train at high speed is much more fun.

My son is nowhere near the age of being able to play on his own yet but he did love watching me play, with constant “choo choo” noises from him along with giggles when I made the train jump. So, if you have any kids that love trains (or if you’re a big kid yourself!) I would definitely say pick it up. It saves the tidying up with the real thing! It is a very easy game to 1000G, if you are an achievement hunter like myself. You will have no trouble earning them all in about an hour without any trouble. With it also being on Xbox Game Pass you will want to pick this up as soon. However there is still so much you can do within the game even after getting all the achievements.

Conclusion

Tracks is simple pick up and play game and if you have kids who love trains this is something they may enjoy. I still prefer playing with the real thing with my son but if you want to get your creative juices flowing and love trains this is a no-brainer for you.

This game was tested and reviewed on Xbox One. All of the opinions and insights here are subject to that version. Game provided by the publisher.
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Good
  • Lots of customisation
  • Easy 1000g
  • Fun and calming gameplay
Bad
  • Not enough different type of areas to build in
  • Limited levels to complete in Passenger mode
  • Controls can take a while to get used to
5
Average
Gameplay - 5
Graphics - 6
Audio - 5
Longevity - 4
Written by
For me it started out on PC, back in the Wolfenstein 3D and Commander Keen days. Now I play across all platforms, but I'm gaming every day, mainly on xbox. I'm easy going, with a full-on achievement hunting addiction that I always say I will give up, but i never do! Gamertag: nuttywray

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